MC3-water

Marsh Creek Site 3 Water Quality

During each visit to the Marsh Creek site basic physical and chemical parameters were tested based on GA-Adopt-A-Stream (AAS) requirements. These requirements include the testing of air and water temperatures (C), relative humidity, and water conductivity. Chemical testing includes pH, dissolved oxygen (mg/L), nitrate-nitrogen (mg/L), and phosphate (mg/L). All testing was conducted in the field with the exception of nitrate-nitrogen and phosphate.
 * __Physical and Chemical Parameters__ **


 * __Data Collected__ **

Site 3 at Marsh Creek was collected on a weekly interval for three consecutive weeks. Chemical testing occurred during late morning and early afternoon of the three weekly surveys. Very little change of significant value developed and values remained at a relatively even rate through the three weeks of testing. While relative humidity spiked at the initial survey at 98%, there did not seem to be a strong correlation between that increase and any possible problems within the watershed. Contrary to what the charts seem to indicate, there was not a significant deviation between values. Our data below proves that site 3 is a healthy watershed and it can in fact support life.



While the percent of relative humidity dropped over time, the temperature remained consistent due to the shade provided by the trees. It is important to note, however, that the temperature on June 28 did elevate after consistent days of temperatures over 35°C.

Despite the range in pH levels, the levels we observed throughout our study is in compliance with GA Adopt-A-Streams requirements to sustain life. The water was neither too acid or to base.

The conductivity remained consistent on the two days they were tested (June 21 and June 28). Despite being being below the 50 to 500 us/cm range required to maintain "streams supporting mixed fisheries" the levels were within the 0 to 1500 us/cm range of rivers in Georgia. This conductivity shows that certain organisms can survive in the shallow waters of site 3. This was proved when baby salamanders and crawfish were spotted on site.



Testing for nitrate-nitrogen as well as phosphates were conducted upon return to the lab. As the table above shows there was no evidence supporting nitrate-nitrogen. Phosphate levels, however, remained at less than 1 mg/L. These findings indicate a healthy watershed.

Dissolved oxygen is vital to sustaining life. GA Adopt-A-Stream states that dissolved oxygen (DO) "levels below 3ppm are stressful to most aquatic organisms. DO levels below 2 or 1 ppm will not support fish; levels 5 to 6 ppm are usually required for growth and activity" [|GA Adopt-A-Stream Manual]. As our levels show a range between 6 parts per million (ppm) to 6.5ppm life can be supported.



Watershed level water quality data can be found here. Watertshed level methodology can be found here. GA-Adopt-A-Stream: Complete Manual - Biological & Chemical Stream Monitoring can be found [|here].

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